Ranch Room Display

Prior to the establishment of White Sands Proving Ground in 1945, the real estate which now comprises the Missile Range was primarily used for ranching purposes. Even after the Proving Ground was established, some ranching operations continued for many years in some areas of the range. So, the history and heritage of Missile Range includes ranching. Thus, several displays in the Museum reflect this heritage, as in this display of leather chaps. Chaps are Heavy leather trousers without a seat, worn over ordinary trousers by ranch hands to protect their legs.